Logan County Funds Additional Paramedics to Strengthen Ambulance Coverage

County commissioners voted on December 5 to allocate budget resources to expand advanced life support staffing for ambulance response across Logan County. The authorization permits the county to fund at least two additional advanced life support providers, a change county leaders said was necessary to maintain coverage when several ambulances are in service simultaneously.

Sterling Fire, the county agency responsible for ambulance operations in the Sterling area, previously staffed nine paramedics, with six positions funded by the county and three funded by the City of Sterling. Officials described the additional positions as a way to reduce gaps in service that can occur when units are committed to extended incidents or when major public events require extra mutual aid. Large gatherings such as motocross competitions were singled out as examples of events that can strain routine coverage and require mutual aid ambulances from neighboring jurisdictions.

The commissioners action follows collaborative discussions between county and city leaders about ambulance staffing levels and fiscal responsibility for emergency medical services. By agreeing to cover at least two more advanced life support positions within the current budget, the county aims to provide a more resilient baseline of response capacity without immediate new tax measures. The move does not end questions about long term funding needs, operational costs and the potential need for further staffing during peak event seasons.

For residents the change means a higher likelihood that an advanced life support provider will be available when multiple incidents occur or when a single large event demands additional resources. Travel times and response reliability are likely to be more stable across the county during such pressure points, though measurable improvements will depend on recruitment and retention of certified paramedics.

The decision highlights the importance of ongoing oversight of public safety budgets and cross jurisdictional coordination for emergency medical services. Residents interested in how emergency services are funded and staffed should monitor upcoming budget discussions and attend commissioner meetings to weigh in on priorities and long term strategies for sustaining ambulance coverage.